Why the Duke of York is Giving Up His Official Honors – and the Implications for the Monarchy
In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Prince Andrew has declared he is giving up his royal titles, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been announced – and what remains unchanged.
What Did the Prince Said?
After previously stepped down as a active member of the monarchy in 2019, the prince has now decided to “take additional measures” and consent not to use the “honor or the honours which have been conferred upon” him.
But he also used the statement to emphatically denying – as he has always done – the allegations of sexual impropriety leveled at him; albeit after settling a substantial sum to settle the civil sexual assault case filed by Virginia Giuffre – a settlement in which he accepted no fault and firmly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
There has existed ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution regarding the allegations involving the prince – particularly after his ill-fated television appearance with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to protect the royal family from further damage resulting from public speculation.
Did the Monarch Stripped Him of His Titles?
Not at all. And, while this might be viewed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it enables the prince to publicly claim to have behaved with integrity in support of the crown. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, consistent with my past, to prioritize my obligations to my family and the nation first.”
Additionally, although he consented not to use it, the prince keeps his ducal title, along with the titles the Earl of Inverness and his barony and the esteemed position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH His Royal Highness honorific, they essentially become dormant.
He remains royalty and eighth in succession to the throne. In theory, he is also still a counsellor of state – and may deputize for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has made clear that, in practice, he would not be asked to perform these duties.
Nevertheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement indicated the decision was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, behind the scenes, the royal household pushed for this in the hope of cutting Andrew loose.
Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors?
To forcibly remove a dukedom would require an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the nation – it has not occurred to a high-ranking royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely result in further reputational damage for the royals.
The prince remains still a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically as the child of the sovereign. This would only be changed if a letters patent was issued by the king.
The entire procedure might ultimately being drawn-out, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – at least for the monarchy's interests – would not necessarily be achieved.
What Are the Implications for Andrew?
Humiliation, likely above all. The statement signifies an substantial reduction of status he has fought against for years.
He and his ex-wife, Sarah, continue to reside in their Windsor residence, despite reported efforts by his brother to persuade his brother to move out of the thirty-room royal residence in Windsor Great Park.
Although limited information has been revealed about exactly how much funds Andrew has received due to his position, he remains a person of means. In 2007, he was able to secure £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from his mother, for example.
Why Now?
The seemingly endless series of controversies involving Andrew has proved intolerable for the king and other senior royals.
His association with the convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein is once again in the headlines following revelations that the prince stated to him “we are in this together” in a message dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication.
Additionally, there were reports about his association with a suspected Chinese spy and, this week, extracts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed the prince “believed that having sex with me was his birthright”.
Furthermore, the sovereign is due to make a historic visit to meet Pope Leo soon, when he will become the first English monarch since Henry VIII split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the pope and head of the Catholic church. He would not desire that trip to be overshadowed by further adverse coverage about Andrew.
What Was the Response?
While he said Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, her sibling Sky Roberts informed the Times that Andrew’s honorary prince title ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be done.
The republican campaign group Republic has additionally stated the move is “too little, too late”, adding: “Andrew remains accused of sexual misconduct and misuse of position. He should be divested of every honor and his navy rank and should undergo a legal probe. Not using archaic honors is not a punishment that matches the accusations.”
